Archive for Non-Verbal Communicatiion
When You Speak,
Don’t Jingle or Deliver Other Distractions!
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“Did you ever spend a lot of time on a ship?”
That was the question I asked the speaker I was evaluating at a Toastmaster Meeting.
The reason I asked, was that Michael, the person I was critiquing, possessed the habit of rocking from side to side during his speech. He wasn’t aware of it, but it was so bothersome I had to mention it.
Michael, like all Toastmasters, was attending the meeting to improve his presentations. Just telling him what he did correctly wasn’t going to help him get better. I certainly did mention the positives of his presentation, but ’sandwiched in’ the ‘room for improvement’ advice.
Whether it’s rocking back and forth, jingling change and keys in pockets, or Read More→
Lessons from a Street Performer
Posted by: | CommentsThis one was O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G!
I was in Boston last week and had an opportunity to do some sightseeing.
Around the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace there were several street performers.
They’re mostly very good.
One was O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G!
The Content of his performance was juggling.
The Great Delivery was what set him apart from the majority of street performers.
I was reminded of Delivery Lessons all great speakers should emulate.
Here they are: Read More→
Non-Verbal Communication Element #4 -
Posture
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There’s one chance to make a first impression!
You’ll make that impression on the audience as the master of ceremonies ends their introduction and you start walking to the lectern, X spot, or wherever you’ll speak the opening words to your talk.
Walk with deliberate steps that give the non-verbal message to your audience that you are about to ‘take over’ the meeting, and will ‘be in charge’ during your turn at the lectern.
Do this with your shoulders straight and your head held high.
Be aware, you may make that first impression earlier if you’re seated, before being introduced, when you’re visible to the audience.
Important: If you’re a scheduled speaker, consider yourself on stage – even when you’re not! Especially if people can see you, be certain to sit with good posture; back straight, feet planted on the floor, and arms relaxed on your lap. No slouching!
Be attentive, and look at the other speakers during their presentations. Don’t do any fidgeting or Read More→
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
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Eyes are the ‘Windows to the Soul’.
They are the first things we use for non-verbal communication when we meet someone. The same applies when speaking to a group of people.
‘Look me in the eye!’
‘The eyes have it!’
The first thing to do, after taking the lectern, and before beginning your talk, is to find a friendly face and make eye contact. This is one reason for arriving early at the place of your talk to and to ‘Meet & Greet’ audience members. Introduce yourself and ask them questions.
Making eye contact with people you meet beforehand who express friendliness, and an eagerness to hear you speak, will get your talk off to a jumpstart.
Look at that person directly in the eye and start speaking. Then, after a few moments, move on to another welcoming face.
By using good eye contact you are able to connect with the audience, and connecting is Read More→
Site Map
Posted by: | CommentsProps Help the Audience “See” your Points – Maybe!
Posted by: | CommentsSince people learn in different ways, the more senses incorporated into your presentation, the better the meaning of your speech will be conveyed and information retained.
However, no prop, sound or scent will ever come close to what your “brain” can see, hear or smell.
I once heard the late Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, the film critics, discussing several mediums of communication; radio, TV, and the big movie screen.
Their conclusion, with no option close, was that radio is the superior medium.
Because the “mind draws its own pictures” based on previous experiences and associations, it does the best job of “seeing”. The message is better received and personalized.
When I heard this, the old CBS Mystery Theater, immediately came to mind.
When we “hear” pictures painted, we go into the hard drives of our brain and pull out files that associate with what we are hearing, personalizing the message.
If we show a physical prop, that is the image the receiver records in their mind.
For some speeches, where a specific is being conveyed, this may be appropriate.
Where the prop is better personalized – leave the prop at home!
About the Author:
Fred E. Miller coaches, speaks and writes about Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
The NSPS Formula
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s the ‘No Sweat Public Speaking!’ Formula.
Use it as a Template
to Develop, Practice and Deliver Your next Presentation!
The “No Sweat Public Speaking!” Formula is Mind Mapped above. Just like a great meal comes from following an old family recipe, a great speech comes from following a proven formula. The speech must have the right ingredients, in the right quantities, and put together in a very specific order. In its simplest form, a speech has two components, Content and Delivery.
- Content is the message.
- Delivery is the process that conveys the Content (message) to the audience.
- Title
- Introduction
- Opening
- Body
- Conclusion
- Eye Contact
- Facial Expressions
- Gestures
- Posture
- Body Movement
- Pronunciation and Enunciation
- Projection
- Inflection
- Cadence
- Pause
Here is a look at the NSPS Formula in a different perspective.
Click to Enlarge
